About
The Gulf is a geographical formation, an ecologically important ecosystem, an economic engine, a cultural and spiritual resource, and a fount of aesthetic inspiration. Yet few UF undergraduates have had the opportunity to grapple with the many incarnations of the Gulf – even those who live near it. Communities along the Gulf are facing complex environmental, health, and social challenges – all of which are exacerbated by climate change.
What is UF Gulf Scholars?
UF Gulf Scholars, housed at the UF Bob Graham Center for Public Service, prepares students from diverse academic backgrounds with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to address the complex and dynamic challenges facing Gulf communities. Through interdisciplinary learning and hands-on experiences, Gulf Scholars will help shape the future of the Gulf region.
Program Background
UF was recently one of five universities selected as a host institution for the third cohort of the Gulf Scholars Program, a five-year, $12.7 million pilot program funded by the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The program aims to prepare undergraduate students to address pressing environmental, social, health, energy, and infrastructure challenges in the Gulf region. In Fall 2024, the program was also the recipient of an additional $414,000 in Strategic Initiative funding from the UF President’s Office to bolster the $475,000 grant.
Student Opportunities
Students in the UF Gulf Scholars program engage in Gulf-focused coursework, internships, research projects, field excursions, and much more. They also have opportunities to network with professionals from various fields, collaborate with peers from across disciplines, and work closely with faculty mentors and community partners on impactful Gulf-related projects.
Students can engage at any level—by taking individual courses, attending events, or pursuing a UF Gulf Scholars Medallion. Additionally, the program team is in the process of developing a Gulf Studies minor.
Our Mission
With civic engagement, public service, and leadership at the forefront of UF Gulf Scholars programming, students will explore the environmental, social, economic, historical, political, and cultural dimensions of the Gulf. Through their participation in the program, students will be better equipped to promote stewardship, resilience, and innovation as they step into the workforce and create meaningful change in their communities. Learn more in our web story.
Team& Steering Committee
Mike Allen
Professor of freshwater fisheries and ecology and Director, UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station
Send EmailSee Bio
Cynthia Barnett
Senior Lecturer and Director of Climate and Environment Reporting Initiatives – Department of Journalism
Send EmailSee Bio
Jeff Carney
Architect and director of the Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience in the College of Design, Construction, and Planning
Send EmailSee Bio
Nancy Clark
Associate Professor + Director of the UF Center for Hydro-generated Urbanism, UF College of Design, Construction and Planning
Send EmailSee Bio
Jack Davis
Rothman Family Chair in the Humanities and distinguished professor in the Department of History
Send EmailSee Bio
Sherry Larkin
Professor in the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, and director of the Florida Sea Grant College Program
Send EmailSee Bio
Rick Stepp
Professor of Anthropology and Latin American Studies, and director of UF Quest 3
Send EmailSee Bio
Funded Faculty Members
Jack Davis
Rothman Family Chair in the Humanities and distinguished professor in the Department of History
Send EmailSee Bio
Hal Knowles
Instructional Assistant Professor, College of Design, Construction & Planning
Send EmailSee Bio
Victor Del Heirro
Assistant Professor, Digital Rhetoric and Technical Communication
Send EmailSee Bio
Jasmine McNealy
Professor, Department of Media Production, Management, and Technology
Send EmailSee Bio
Shane White
Instructional Assistant Professor, Department of Agriculture Education and Communication
Send EmailSee Bio
Enie Hensel
Senior Postdoctoral Research Associate, Nature Coast Biological Station
Send EmailSee Bio
Emily Colson
Communications Specialist and K-12 Education Coordinator, Nature Coast Biological Station
Send EmailSee Bio
Sarah McKune
Associate Professor & Interim Chair, Department of Environmental and Global Health
Send EmailSee Bio
Community Partners
The CLEO Institute
Send Email
Three Rivers Legal Services
See Bio
Thompson Earth Systems Institute
Send Email
Florida Department of Health
See Bio
Samuel Proctor Oral History Program
See Bio
Community Weatherization Coalition
Send Email
Trubel&Co
Send Email